€¦ · web viewby submitting an application to work and/or stay at rmbl, the applicant agrees...

2015 RMBL Application for Educational Program – This word document is for reference only. In order to apply to the Education Program you must submit the online application.

1 Statement of Terms

2 Summer Programs

3 General Information

4 Administration

5 Courses

6 Recommendations

...

BEFORE YOU START THIS APPLICATION, MAKE SURE YOU KNOW/HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

1) Whether you are applying for Program One: Full time Independent Research/REU, Program Two: Independent Research and Course/REU, Program Three: Research Internship.

2) Names and email addresses of the two people who will be submitting recommendations on your behalf.

3) Official College Transcript. Either a hard copy or electronic copy is acceptable.

A hard copy can be mailed to:RMBL AdmissionsPO Box 519Crested Butte, CO 81224

-OR-

An electronic copy can be sent to the Science Director at [email protected]

4) Credit hours completed and current GPA in all courses and in biology courses.

5) Financial Aid Form. This form is required for REU applicants and students applying for financial aid; it is optional for all other applicants. If you truly have no financial need, then you can still apply for an REU award without this form. This form can be downloaded from the link at the top of this page and should be uploaded with this application.

6) Completed Essay. We recommend that you write the essay before you start this application,

then cut and paste it when you come to the "essay" page. Write one or two paragraphs about why you wish to attend RMBL (no longer than a page of text). Please tell us why you are interested in field biology and how such an experience might play a role in your future career. Fieldwork is difficult, often tedious, and often conducted under harsh conditions. We are looking for students with the mental and intellectual maturity to commit to hard work. Please address these qualities in your essay.

BY COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION YOU AGREE TO ADHERE TO THE RMBL RESEARCH CODE, KEEP ALL STUDY SITES AND RMBL FACILITIES ORDERLY AND FREE OF HAZARDS, TO REMOVE ALL INSTRUMENTS, MARKING MATERIALS, AND OTHER NON-PERMANENT FIXTURES AT THE END OF EACH FIELD SEASON, AND TO PAY FOR ALL FEES AND SERVICES YOU REQUEST.

Note that no pets are allowed at RMBL at any time.

The RMBL campus is smoke-free, and there is no smoking allowed within the RMBL fenceline. Smoking is allowed on the county road only.

If your account becomes delinquent and RMBL refers the account to a collection agency or an attorney for collection, or if we incur additional time collecting your delinquent account, you will be responsible for all such collection agency and/or attorney fees, plus all additional costs including court costs incurred as a result of such collection effort. By submitting an application to work and/or stay at RMBL, the applicant agrees to the following terms with regard to space assignments:

1. Except where RMBL has signed a legally binding use agreement or is constrained by law, RMBL reserves the right to make all final decisions concerning assignment of space locations, including but not limited to, housing, laboratory space, and research sites.

2. RMBL has an old infrastructure. Due to time constraints, maintenance of housing as required, safety issues pertaining thereto, availability, and accommodation issues as they relate to logistics, and any other related issue, RMBL reserves the right to alter space assignments at any time and for any reason related to the above, except to the extent constrained by signed use agreements or by law. Individuals staying at RMBL may be required to move to a new housing location at RMBL, share housing with other individuals, or be denied housing.

3. RMBL will make reasonable efforts to keep individuals informed of space assignments and

changes to those assignments as they occur. However, individuals need to be prepared for a change in housing assignments as the same become known to RMBL.

4. Approval to conduct research at RMBL does not constitute a guarantee of housing.

5. Guidelines for decision-making concerning space assignments and acceptance of research plans are identified in RMBL's Bylaws and Board-adopted Master Plans. RMBL reserves the right to interpret those documents.

6. Individuals staying at RMBL or working through RMBL are required to sign a liability waiver and release upon checking in at RMBL. Copies of the waiver and release can be obtained from the Director of Finance and Operations at [email protected].

7. RMBL makes no guarantees that any of the services it provides, including but not limited to, housing, water, electricity, and internet, will be available or will be fully functional.

8. RMBL reserves the right to interpret this Agreement. The fact that RMBL drafted this Agreement including the terms herein is immaterial. Accordingly, this Agreement shall not be strictly construed against the author.

9. You the individual by submitting an application to work/stay at RMBL acknowledge that you have read and understand this agreement, agree to the terms herein, and sign it voluntarily.

Do you agree to the above terms? *

2015 RMBL Application for Educational Program


2 Summer Programs


4 Administration

5 Courses

6 Recommendations

...

General Information

Throughout this application, items marked with a red asterisk (*) are required.

Summer Programs

We offer three summer programs for research and study. You can apply for one or more of these programs using this one application.

Take a moment to read about the programs and decide which one(s) you would like to apply for. We will review applications and students will be accepted into the program that best fits their level of experience.

Educational Programs (with Senior Thesis Option)10-week session: June 7-August 14, 2015

Program One: Full Time Independent Research

This program targets students who wish to conduct a full-time independent research project in field biology; applicants may be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, graduates of an undergraduate program, or may be early in their graduate career. The dates are June 7-August 14, 2015, although some students may be asked to arrive earlier or stay later if necessary for their particular research project. Students are expected to stay at RMBL for a full 10 weeks, regardless of starting date. Students conduct independent research under the supervision of RMBL scientists. During the summer, students will work with their mentors to develop a testable hypothesis, gather data, analyze the data, and produce a written and oral report by the end of the program. They will work approximately 40 hours a week on their projects, in addition to attending biweekly discussions or workshops and a weekly seminar series. Students wishing to turn their research into a senior thesis should contact the Science Director ([email protected]) to help coordinate with their home institution.

Program Two: Independent Research and Course

This program targets students who are relatively new to field biology as well as those who wish to receive training in a particular area. The dates are June 7-August 14, 2015, although some students may be asked to arrive earlier or stay later if necessary for their particular research project. Students are expected to stay at RMBL for a full 10 weeks, regardless of starting date. Students conduct independent research under the supervision of RMBL scientists. During the summer, students will work with their mentors to develop a testable hypothesis, gather data, analyze the data, and produce a written and oral report by the end of the program. They will work approximately 30 hours a week on their projects, in addition to attending biweekly discussions or workshops and a weekly seminar series. Students conduct independent research under the supervision of RMBL scientists (approximately 30 hours a week/75% time) while taking one of two field courses (approximately 10 hours a week/25% time): 1) Methods in Field Ecology or 2) Research Training in Wildlife Biology. Under certain circumstances this research can become a senior thesis at the home institution of a student. Contact the Science Director ([email protected]) for more information.

Program Three: Research Internship

This track targets students who are new to field biology and wish to gain experience conducting research in the field. Research interns will be a research assistant with a mentor and labgroup for 35 hours per week. In addition, interns will participate in RMBL Educational enrichment activities, including discussions and seminars, for 5 hours per week. Scholarships, but not REU awards, are available to Research Interns. The dates are June 7-August 14, 2015, although some students may be asked to arrive earlier or stay later if necessary for their particular research project. Students are expected to stay at RMBL for a full 10 weeks, regardless of starting date. Contact the Science Director ([email protected]) for more information.

General Program Information

All students must enroll for ten credits in programs One or Two or participate for 40 hours a week in the program as a research intern, unless they have another job at RMBL. All students are expected to live at RMBL unless they are currently residents of a nearby town. There is a maximum of 20 students for the Full Time Independent Research Program and a maximum of 24 students for the Independent Research Program with Course. Successful applicants are those who exhibit a strong desire for a summer field experience, and who are normally performing well in their classes at their home institution. Most students have had at least one year of college biology, though this is not a requirement. Persons who already have an undergraduate degree are welcome to apply.

Eligibility: No requirements.

Cost: Tuition, Room and Board for 10-week Session: $5,600

Financial Aid is available. Please complete the financial aid form, if applying for a scholarship. Students are funded in one of four ways: some students will pay the $5,600 fee, some will receive partial or full scholarships from RMBL, some will receive partial or full scholarships from their home institution, and the remaining students will be funded from our National Science Foundation REU grant. See below for details on REU awards.

Application Fee: If you submit this application on or before February 15, there is no application fee. Applications submitted after February 15 require an application fee of $35. *Mail fee to: RMBL Admissions, PO Box 519, Crested Butte, CO 81224* or pay via paypal.

Application deadlines:* Feb. 15, if applying for an REU award

* March 2, if applying for RMBL financial aid* June 1st, if not applying for financial aid

REU Awards

These awards are funded by the National Science Foundation. There are ten students selected for REU awards. The awards provide $400 toward travel costs, pay a $5,000 stipend, and cover room, board, and tuition at RMBL. Students should have a sincere interest in a career in field biology research. Fieldwork is difficult, and often tedious. We are looking for students with the mental and intellectual maturity to commit to hard work. We will judge the application in part on financial need and on student motivation. We encourage participation by minorities currently underrepresented in biology, defined by the National Science Foundation as Native Americans (including American Indians and Alaskan Natives), African-Americans, Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Pacific Islanders. The application deadline for REU Applicants is February 15th, and selection will be completed by mid-March. At that time students will be matched with a research mentor.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students who will not have completed their degree by the time they are participating in the program. Additionally, the program is limited to United States citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Cost: No cost

Application Fee: No application fee

Application deadline: February 15th

Scholarships

RMBL offers a number of scholarships for educational programs at RMBL. There are several full scholarships that provide room, board, tuition, and station fees. Several other student scholarships provide partial amounts toward fees. All financial aid awards are based on an assessment of financial need. No student should hesitate to apply to our programs solely because they lack financial resources. Please note that students receiving financial aid are expected to maintain a B average in all of their courses. Students will undergo a review mid way through the semester, and any student not meeting this requirement will be asked to leave.

The information in the Financial Aid Form will be kept confidential.

Financial aid decisions will be made beginning in early March, and students will be notified of financial aid decisions before the end of March.

Contact Information

Please provide us with accurate contact information so we are able to contact you with admissions decisions.

Name * First Last

Gender *

Female Male

Birthdate * MM / DD / YYYY

Email Address *

Name of School you Currently Attend *

Year in School *

Freshman Sophomore Junior Non-grad Senior Senior Graduate

Date of Expected Graduation * MM / DD / YYYY

Major Field *

Credit Hours Completed Before this Summer: In All Courses *

Credit Hours Completed Before This Summer: in Biology Courses *

Current GPA (use 4-point system): in All Courses *

Current GPA (use 4-point system): in Biology Courses *

If your School Does Anything Unusual with GPAs or Course Credits, Please Explain:

Current Address *

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province /

Region Postal / Zip Code Country

Current Phone Number * ### - ### - ####

Dates in Residence at Current Address: *

Permanent Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province /

Region Postal / Zip Code Country

Permanent Phone Number * ### - ### - ####

How long will we be able to reach you at your permanent address?

2 / 7



2 Summer Programs


4 Administration

5 Courses

6 Recommendations

...

1. Physical Condition

Life at a remote high-altitude field station requires above average stamina. If you have any physical, mental, or emotional condition that might adversely affect you during your stay, please indicate and explain.

1a. Physical Condition *

I DO NOT have a condition that might affect me. I have a condition that might affect me.

2. Meal Preference

All students eat meals in the Dining Hall. There are two kinds of meal plans available to students: meat and vegetarian. At this time, we are unable to provide vegan meals in the Dining Hall. Indicate your meal selection below.

2a. Please indicate your meal preference. *

Meat Vegetarian

2b. Food Allergies

3. Financial Aid

Any applicant who would like Financial Aid must complete the Financial Aid form. If you select "yes," this means you have already downloaded the Financial Aid form from the RMBL website and completed it. Please be prepared to upload your Financial Aid Form.

3a. Will you apply for financial aid? *

NO I will not apply for financial aid YES I will apply for financial aid

4. RMBL Credits

RMBL is a private, independent field station, unaffiliated with any university. Credits issued by RMBL are normally accepted at colleges and universities in the US, but students should check with their school before arriving to be sure that this is true. If you encounter any reluctance to accept RMBL credit, you have the option of receiving credit from Western State Colorado University (WSCU) in Gunnison. There is an additional fee per class, and you must enroll before the session begins. You will not be able to apply for WSCU credit after the summer session ends. NOTE: WSCU students will need to register for their classes through extended education.

If you select (below) 'I will be applying for WSCU credits,' please make certain that you obtain

the appropriate forms from WSCU. If you need assistance, please email the Director of Finance and Operations: [email protected]. You must return both WSCU forms and the appropriate fee directly to WSCU before the RMBL session begins.

4. RMBL Credits *

I will NOT be applying for credit through WSCU. I will be applying for credit through WSCU.

5. REU Awards : Are you applying for an REU award?

Yes No

6. REU Minority Student

We hope to give REU Awards to students from minority backgrounds currently underrepresented in biology, defined by the National Science Foundation as Native Americans (including American Indians and Alaskan Natives), African-Americans, Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Pacific Islanders.

6. If you feel you qualify as an REU Minority Student, please explain:

7. If you are applying for an REU award or RMBL scholarship, please indicate your citizenship or residency status.

US Citizen US Permanent Resident, with documentation Not a US Citizen or Permanent resident

8. First Generation College Student

If neither your parents, nor grandparents went to college, you are a first generation college student.

8. If you feel you qualify as a first generation College Student, please explain:

9a. How did you hear about RMBL? *

RMBL website RMBL poster RMBL brochure OBFS website NSF website

Advisor Teacher Friend Other

9b. Please explain your selection, or list by name the individual who told you about RMBL.

3 / 7


...2 Summer Programs


4 Administration

5 Courses

6 Recommendations

7 Facilities Information

Program Options

Please visit www.rmbl.org to read about the programs being offered this summer.

After you have reviewed the programs, please rate your program choices below. If you have no preference, please state that.

My First Choice: *

Full Time Independent Research Independent Research/Methods in Field Ecology

Independent Research/Training In Wildlife Biology Research Internship Invasive Plant

Internship Other

My Second Choice:



Internship Other

My Third Choice:



Internship Other

Explain your class choices:

4 / 7




4 Administration

5 Courses

6 Recommendations


Part 1: Essay

Have you participated in any NSF-funded REU Program in the past? *

No Yes

Write one or two paragraphs about why you wish to attend RMBL (no longer than a "page" of text). Please tell us why you are interested in field biology, and how such an experience might play a role in your future career. Fieldwork is difficult, often tedious, and often conducted under harsh conditions. We are looking for students with the mental and intellectual maturity to commit to hard work. Please address these qualities in your essay

5 / 7




4 Administration

5 Courses

6 Recommendations


Recommendation Instructions

Ask at least two people who you know well, preferably biology professors, to complete a recommendation form on your behalf.

The online recommendation form is found on www.rmbl.org in the application section of the Students tab.

It is your responsibility to provide the website or link to your recommenders. Please ensure that your recommenders complete and submit the recommendation form by the deadline.

REU Recommendation Deadline: February 15th. You will not be considered for an REU award until your application is complete. Your application is not complete until we have received both recommendations, a financial aid form, and your official transcript.

RMBL Financial Aid Deadline: March 2nd. You will not be considered for financial aid until your application is complete. Your application is not complete until we have received both recommendations, a financial aid form, and your official transcript.

Absolute Deadline: June 1st (if not applying for financial aid). Applications for the educational program are accepted at any time until the start of the session assuming there is still space available. Admission decisions are made within two weeks of receipt of your complete application (including the application fee and supporting documents). It is advantageous to apply early as classes are often full before April 1st. Your application is not complete until we have received both recommendations and your official transcript.

Agreement Respecting Confidentiality:

Please answer the question below as to your waiving your right of access to these completed recommendation forms under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. I understand that these forms will be used by RMBL solely in its procedures relating to admission.

Waiver of Access *

I waive my right of access. I DO NOT waive my right of access.

Name of Recommender #1 * First Last

Email Address of Recommender #1 *

Name of Recommender #2 * First Last

Email Address of Recommender #2 *

6 / 7




4 Administration

5 Courses

6 Recommendations


Please read the following detailed information about life at RMBL:

Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory is a private, non-profit field station located at Gothic, CO. High in the Elk Mountains of south-central Colorado, at 9,500 feet, Gothic was a thriving mining community during the 1880s. In 1928, Dr. John C. Johnson, a biology professor at Western State College in Gunnison, purchased the land and old buildings as the first step in his dream of creating a research and teaching facility for field biologists. For over 80 years the laboratory has grown and thrived, attracting researchers and students from around the world.

Known widely as one of the leading field stations in North America, RMBL offers facilities for research and study. RMBL owns 285 acres with more than 60 buildings, including research laboratories, offices, cabins, a library, dormitories, a dining hall, classrooms, and a store and visitor's center. During the summer nearly 160 research scientists, students, and staff take up residence and once again Gothic becomes an active community, with seminars, educational programs, and social events.

Surrounding RMBL are the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Gunnison National Forest, White River National Forest, Gothic Research Natural Area, and Colorado's first Natural Area, Mexican Cut, an alpine watershed owned by The Nature Conservancy and administered by RMBL. As a result, RMBL scientists and students have access to diverse habitats, many of which are essentially undisturbed.

Location

RMBL is located 35 miles north of Gunnison, CO, which has airport and hospital facilities. Gunnison is also home to Western State Colorado University. The nearby towns of Crested Butte (8 miles from RMBL) and Mt. Crested Butte (4 miles from RMBL) provide dining, shopping, medical, postal, and other community services. Major airports are located in Denver and Colorado Springs, both approximately 225 miles (5 hours by car) away.

Housing

Students live in shared very rustic non-coking cabins and eat in the Dining Hall. Cabins offer little privacy and truly rustic furnishings: electricity, minimal heat, and an outhouse nearby. The central wash house has showers and washing machines. Pets of any kind are prohibited at RMBL.

Transportation

Students must arrange for their own travel between their home institution and Gothic. There is an airport in Gunnison that is 40 miles south of Gothic. Also, the Black Hills Stage Line runs a bus between Denver and Gunnison. The schedule is posted under http://www.blackhillsstagelines.com. The price for the Denver to Gunnison one-way bus service is ~$35 and arrives in Gunnison at approximately 7pm.

RMBL will arrange for transportation between Gunnison and Gothic at a cost of $42/trip on the day the program begins (Sunday, June 7 to Gothic) and on the day the program ends (Friday, August 14 to Gunnison), as long as a travel form is submitted online by May 1st. When this option is selected, the additional fee will be added to the student bill. If you travel on days other than June 7 and Aug. 14 or you do not submit a travel form to us by May 1, you are responsible for organizing your own travel between Gunnison and Gothic.

The RMBL website has more information on travel under www.rmbl.org/travel.

Other Academic Activities

Two to four seminars are presented each week by resident researchers and visiting scientists. Students are encouraged to attend these programs and to become acquainted with the diversity of research projects conducted by RMBL biologists.

Recreation

An integral part of the RMBL experience is the beautiful mountain environment. There is an emphasis on outdoor activities (hiking, fishing, camping, birding, and mountain biking) along with informal indoor activities such as folk dancing and yoga.

Communication

Cell phones don't work very well at RMBL. However, cell phones work in Mt. Crested Butte and Crested Butte, a short bus ride away. RMBL has an internet connection in the main classroom and lab buildings. Some, but not all, of the cabins also have internet service. Because bandwidth is limited at RMBL, Skype video and any kind of video downloading is prohibited. Skype audio can be used.

Medical Care

There are medical clinics in Crested Butte and a full-service hospital in Gunnison. RMBL staff will help arrange transportation to and from clinics as needed.

Vehicles

Parking space is at a premium in Gothic, and there is a cost of $7.50/day per vehicle for students, with a maximum charge of $450 for having your vehicle with you for the summer. Unpermitted parking within 1 mile of RMBL is a violation of RMBL parking policy, and will be subject to fines. If at all possible, plan to use public transportation or carpool to travel to Gothic. The RMBL ride board is a good resource for information about possible rides.

Vehicles are rarely necessary for students at RMBL. A free bus runs 7 days a week between RMBL and the local town of Crested Butte, where basic supplies can be purchased or students can connect to a free bus to and from Gunnison. For students who must drive to RMBL, there is a free parking lot 4 miles from the field station in Mt. Crested Butte. Cars can be parked here for the summer at no cost.

Alcohol and Drugs

All RMBL residents must abide by state laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21. All illegal drugs are prohibited at RMBL.

I have read the RMBL Facilities Information and I agree to abide by any rules or conditions stated therein. *

Submission

When you click "submit" below, your application will be submitted and you will receive a confirmation email. At this time, you may want to page back and forth using the "Previous" and "Next" buttons to double-check your application and confirm you didn't forget any information.

Thank you for taking the time to complete an application for the RMBL Summer Education Program!

7 / 7

€¦ · web viewby submitting an application to work and/or stay at rmbl, the applicant agrees...

Documents